Antique Columbia BK Phonograph. USA, Circa 1900

Antique Columbia BK phonograph fully restored and with exceptional sound quality, made in the USA circa 1900 and in perfect working order. This fine device was fully restored by the master restorer Pedro Martínez. Most of the devices component parts and pieces are original from the time, except for two parts: the brass horn and the crank. In fact, the crank was replaced by an exact reproduction of the original piece, made by the restorer; he then marked it with a small M to indicate it is not the original one. The phonograph is also marked with a hand-painted white number; this means that it once belonged to the collection of some museum. The phonographs outstanding working order makes it possible to enjoy the tunes with a neat, clear and loud sound quality. Together with this feature, the devices inherent beauty and its excellent condition make up a very special piece. The solid oak wooden box shows off sturdy and precise artisanal dovetail joints and a fine dark French-polish finish, finely preserved too. One of the sides is decorated with a decal containing the name The Graphophone and the manufacturing companys name printed on a parchment. It is in good condition, perfectly legible. Other of the boxs sides bears another decal with the companys name, but this is in worse condition. The phonographs cover is also made of oak wood and is well preserved; it has a sticker inside with information about the device. Evocative and beautiful, this antique Columbia BK phonograph is an original device with a wonderful sound quality. Measurements: Box: Width: 12.4 in / 31 cm. Depth: 8.2 in / 20.5 cm. Height: 6.2 in / 15.5 cm. Horn: Length: 14.8 in / 37 cm. Mouths Width: 6.8 in / 17 cm.Columbia Gramophone Company History The Columbia Gramophone Company (first known as Columbia Phonograph Company) was one of the most important record companies of the world during the 20th century. It was also a pioneer in the manufacture and sale of phonographs and gramophones. In the beginning, in the 1880s they just sold phonographs in Washington; but in 1893 they merged with the American Graphophone Company and started producing phonograph cylinders. In the early 20th century a new competitor emerged: the Victor Talking Machine Company, specialized in the manufacture of phonograph cylinders. Columbia responded by producing both cylinders and records, though in a few years they eventually stopped making cylinders. In 1920 the introduction of radio broadcasting made the company success to decline; things were tough for Columbia until World War II, when it returned to prominence. In the late 1960s Columbia was renamed CBS Records and expanded rapidly. They created a new label, Epic, and in 1968 merged with the Sony Corporation. Together they launched the Compact Disc in 1982. Soon after Sony bought CBS Records; today, the label is still active as part of the Japanese corporation.